European Super League – Isn’t that just the Champions League?
Celtic were amongst a host of other clubs throughout Europe have spoken out to give a massive big thumbs down to the much hyped European Super League.
The idea was initially floated over two years ago only for FIFA and UEFA to condemn it and threatened a range of sanctions against clubs who were interested in committing to such a breakaway league. But after a recent ruling from the European court of justice declared that both FIFA and UEFA had abused their powers by threatening clubs, it’s now a topic of discussion once more.
This has led to a lot of clubs voicing their displeasure at such a move, including our own club. They all reckon it will be the death of football as we know it, ripping the heart and soul out of football altogether with clubs just concentrating on self preservation and all the riches that go with it.
But isn’t that what the Champions League is already? It’s just dubbed ‘Champions’ by name, as most clubs competing for the prestigious trophy finished 2nd 3rd and even 4th in their respective leagues.
Clubs who finished top of their domestic league have been denied qualification and have to enter through a play off. Is that fair? No it sure isn’t.
So spare us the notion of anyone feeling disgusted by such a breakaway move. The Champions League is just a European Super League without the name. Especially with the new format that is to be introduced from next season.
The big clubs are just interested in their own self interests, nothing more. They are all hypocrites for calling out such a proposal, when they are all more than happy to lavish in the riches of the champions league at the expense of the so called smaller clubs who are more deserving of a place at the top table.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
Here’s the statement that Celtic released yesterday:
Celtic Football Club has noted today’s judgement delivered by the European Court of Justice.
The resolution regarding the framework for prior authorization of other competitions refers to outdated UEFA statutes that were already amended in June 2022.
We must be clear that this does not in any way endorse or approve the so-called ‘Super League’ project.
Celtic plays an important, leading role within the European Club Association framework and as a club, we are fully committed to working through the ECA, alongside our fellow European clubs to uphold the values that define European football.
We can only achieve our objectives through the strong partnership ECA enjoys with UEFA.
The wider European football community is not supportive of the ESL, and Celtic, like many other clubs, will continue to promote the interests and protection of football’s broader family through the ECA and UEFA.
